Sixteen-year-old defender Mohammed Kaif, a product of Zinc Football Academy, has secured a five-year contract with 2021 Indian Super League champions Hyderabad FC. Born to former Santosh Trophy player Mohammed Sayeed, this transfer marks a significant milestone for the promising young talent from Makrana, Rajasthan. Kaif became the first footballer from Rajasthan in over 40 years to represent India and has excelled on the international stage in both 2023 and 2024. He played a key role in winning two SAFF Cup titles and participated in the AFC Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers. Currently, Kaif is attending the India Under-20 training camp ahead of the Under-20 SAFF Cup in May 2025.

His journey began at the AIFF 3-star rated Academy, where he was scouted at just 10 years old in 2018. His development at the Academy culminated in an exceptional performance in the AIFF Under-17 Youth League.

As a centre-back and a fan of Spanish legend Sergio Ramos, Kaif has become an inspiration for countless rural and tribal players aspiring to make a mark in football.

Dhruv Sood, CEO of Hyderabad FC, said: “We are excited to welcome Mohammed Kaif to Hyderabad FC. We’ve been tracking his progress for some time and are pleased he sees HFC as the perfect platform for his further development.

“Kaif has been integral to the India Under-17 national team, captaining the side at the international level. At Hyderabad FC, we aim to provide a platform for talented young players to fulfil their potential, and we’re confident Kaif will grow as a player and become an important asset to our team.” Kaif’s signing is the second major transfer from Zinc Football Academy, following goalkeeper Sahil Poonia’s move to Bengaluru FC in 2022.

NorthEast United FC came from two goals behind to secure a 5-2 victory against Hyderabad FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) here on Monday. Hyderabad FC, who had conceded six goals post the 60th minute mark this season prior to this match, added three more to that tally as NorthEast United FC struck thrice in the final 30-odd minutes. Hyderabad FC pressed on the offensive from the beginning, as Edmilson Correia took the onus with a solo effort in the fifth minute. He dazzled into the box from the left flank and beat challenges from Dinesh Singh and Asheer Akhtar with some quick footwork to drill the ball into the bottom left corner to get an early lead.

Seven minutes later, Cy Goddard controlled the ball impeccably in a pocket of space down the middle outside of the 18-yard box. He played a pass for Sourav K on the right flank and his perfectly weighted cross was met on the bounce by Correia before he dispatched it into the bottom right corner to notch his brace.

While the home side managed to see off the rest of the half without any major threats to goal, NorthEast United FC’s attacking onslaught picked up intensity in the second essay.

In the 54th minute, Macarton Nickson brought out a creative shot from distance, which was intended to hit the right side of the goal. The shot, however, took a deflection off Lenny Rodrigues and landed nearly in the middle of the net to equalise the scores.

It was eventually awarded as an own goal by the Hyderabad FC midfielder.

Seven minutes later, Guillermo got the visitors the lead, after a link-up play with Alaaeddine Ajaraie.

The Hyderabad FC defence wore a slightly disoriented look when Ajaraie attempted a powerful shot from the edge of the box. The effort lacked precision, but the deflection was ably pounced upon and slotted into the bottom right corner by Guillermo. 

Goals from Ezequiel Vidal and Filip Mrzljak helped Punjab FC defeat Hyderabad FC 2-0 and make it three wins in a row for the side in the Indian Super League in New Delhi on Wednesday. Following their emphatic win, Punjab FC, who scored once in each half, now sit at the top of the table. Punjab FC turned on the intensity following the initial 15 minutes of lethargy when Leander D’Cunha’s mis-timed pass in the danger area saw Mrzljak come up with a superb interception.

The Croatian was in a prime position to put the hosts ahead but rival goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh thwarted his effort.

Buoyed by the opportunity, Punjab FC kept pushing for the opening goal, with Vidal at the centre of every action. He created a couple or more opportunities for Mrzljak and Ivan Novoselec but neither managed to find the back of the net.

In the 27th minute, Vidal went for the jugular from distance and missed the target by a whisker.

Minutes later, Vidal released Nihal Sudeesh on the left flank and the youngster almost added to his tally but the seasoned Arshdeep thwarted him. Punjab FC were eventually rewarded when Vidal opened the scoring in the 35th minute with a swerving free-kick which beat the goalkeeper.

The second half saw Hyderabad FC desperately push for the equaliser, with Ramhlunchhunga and Parag Shrivas coming close. Hyderabad lacked the finesse in attack to trouble the Punjab FC backline.

Punjab FC found the second goal in the 71st minute, courtesy a calm finish from Mrzljak. The Croatian got the better of his marker and initiated a counterattack before releasing Mushaga Bakenga into space.

However, the Norwegian’s effort was blocked by Muhammed Rafi. But luckily for the hosts, the ball trickled down to Mrzljak on the right and the midfielder made no mistake in tucking it into the open net.

Punjab FC will next be in action against Bengaluru FC on October 18, while Hyderabad FC will host Chennaiyin FC on October 1.